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Verdict

TORPHICHEN is taken to land what is a tricky race for punters to fathom, while James De Vassy and Trenchant look capable of plenty of improvement and can go close. The David Pipe-trained selection impressed when winning on his Ludlow debut last month, when he showed a liking for cut in the ground. An 85-rated flat performer, the Alhaarth gelding looks set for a good career over timber and can improve plenty for that first run, and defy a penalty to follow up. James De Vassy was another debut scorer, when making the most of the stone and more he received from his closest rival to win at Wincanton. The front pair drew clear that day, giving the form a solid look and he can get heavily involved. Alan King's Trenchant ran very green on his Warwick debut, but managed to win in spite of that, and he too looks capable of a fair bit more today. Art Exhibition is the most experienced of the leading lights here and although more exposed than most, his form is strong enough in context and he is respected. Of the debutants Border Owl should be able to finish ahead of Astrodome, although has to prove he can handle these conditions, while True Blue Saga is an interesting French raider. After a decent effort at Kempton last time, Francois Doumen said that his colt wants soft ground, and he gets that here, so we will anticipate an improved performance. Even so, for today we'll take Torphichen to come home in front.

True Blue Saga (IRE) 20-1 (10-12) Took keen hold, held up in midfield, headway after 3 out, ridden before next, driven to take 2nd before last but no chance with easy winner, 2nd of 10, 11l behind Starluck (11-8) at Kempton 2m 3yo nov hdl (3) gd in Dec.